Indian billionaire & jeweller Nirav Modi is seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom, 4 months after being linked to a $1.77 billion “fraudulent and unauthorised” transactions in India’s 4th largest bank.

In February 2018, India’s 4th Largest Bank Punjab National Bank (PNB) had uncovered $1.77 billion of “fraudulent and unauthorised” transactions for the benefit of a few account holders that are alleged to include billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi. He is wanted by the Indian police, and has been reported to be missing since February 2018 after the uncovering of the alleged fraud.

Nirav Modi founded global diamond jewelry house Nirav Modi (named after him) in 2010 and Nirav Modi was the first Indian jeweler to have been featured on the covers of Christie’s and Sotheby’s Catalogue. Nirav Modi’s jewellery are worn by famous hollywood and bollywood stars, including having Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts and Priyanka Chopra advertised for the brand. He is estimated to have a personal fortune of more than $1.7 billion.